Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has promised to amicably resolve the land dispute between the Nigerian Airforce and Ugondo community in parts of Makurdi and Gwer East local government areas of the State over
Ortom stated this today while briefing newsmen after a peace meeting between officials of the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Airforce, Makurdi and stakeholders from Ugondo community on Thursday.
The Governor said he had appealed to the Tactical Air Command to concede 350 hectares of land from the 4,000 hectares housing the command to Ugondo Community to permanently end the age-long land dispute between the command and the host community.
He said members of the community had initially demanded that 900 hectares of land be conceded to them, but owing to appeals and consultations, the community had agreed to accept 350 hectares.
Ortom disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force authorities in Makurdi had promised to consult the Chief of Air Staff on the issue and get back to him, giving assurance that the matter will harmoniously be resolved.
According to him, other issues raised by the community bothered on corporate social responsibility of the Tactical Air Command in the areas of provision of educational and health facilities as well as potable water which the command promised to address.
Speaking on compensation as requested by the community, the Governor said he would follow up the matter with members of the National Assembly from the state to see how best the matter could be resolved.
He, however, used the opportunity to sympathize with the Chief of Air Staff and the entire Air Force formation in the country over the death of the first female combatant pilot, Tolulope Arotile.
He prayed that God grant her soul eternal rest and the entire Air Force and her immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.